What happens when passion hits a wall—and purpose has to carry the weight?

Kansas City-based childcare center owner Essence Britton, founder of She Cares KC, went from long hours, mounting pressure, and financial setbacks to opening her second childcare center—and doing it her way.

Essence doesn’t hold back in this episode. From 6 a.m. solo days to praying through burnout, she shares how faith, strategy, and community helped her break through what almost broke her. We talk real numbers, real mindset shifts, and what it really takes to lead without losing yourself.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you can grow your center without burning out, this episode is your reminder: You absolutely can.

Essence details the moment she nearly walked away—and what stopped her. Plus, she reveals her strategy for cutting burnout without cutting quality. She talks about how she rebuilt her finances and found mentors who saw her future. Her faith isn't just part of her story, it's her strategy.

HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1️⃣ Faith is a business strategy—Essence’s journey is a masterclass in spiritual alignment. When burnout hit and the numbers weren’t adding up, she turned inward—leaning on prayer, silence, and divine clarity. Her story proves that listening to your higher power isn’t just personal; it can be the most strategic move you make in business.

2️⃣ Burnout often comes from doing it alone. For too long, Essence tried to run her center solo—long hours, no help, and no systems. Her breakthrough came when she realized success doesn’t require suffering. Finding a coach, setting boundaries, and honoring her own capacity changed everything.

3️⃣ You can set the rules and still stay full. From shifting her hours to redefining what leadership looks like, Essence learned that you can build a profitable, high-quality program that fits your life—not the other way around. When you lead with purpose and process, your dream center becomes reality.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Has the IRS paid you to hire employees for your center? If your answer is "no🤷🏾‍♀️", then grab my FREE guide, How IRS-approved tax credits can help fund payroll at your childcare center—without raising tuition.

MORE FROM ESSENCE:

Get your copy of her e-book Surviving & Thriving: How I Built My Daycare from a 2-Bedroom Apartment to a Full Center

Follow Essence on Instagram: @shecaresclubhouse_llc_

MORE FROM LITTLE LEDGERS:

Follow us on Instagram: @littleledgersaccounting

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more childcare owners who need these insights. 🎙️ Thanks for listening to the Profitable Preschool Podcast! See you next week!

She started with milk crates, secondhand toys, and a calling.

Now, Tiffany Hall is the powerhouse owner of 3 thriving childcare centers, and she did it all without debt, investors, or burning out.

In this episode of the Profitable Preschool Podcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to build a purpose-driven preschool empire from the ground up.

You’ll hear: ✔️ How Tiffany launched her first center from her living room in under 2 months ✔️ The truth about scaling without SBA loans or outside funding ✔️ Why faith, routines, and porch-drop-off support fueled her success ✔️ How she stays rooted in her purpose (even when the numbers get tough) ✔️ The simple, scrappy systems she still uses today to grow sustainably

Whether you're just dreaming of your first center—or scaling your third—Tiffany’s story is a masterclass in starting with what you have, showing up with heart, and building something that lasts.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

• Tiffany’s childcare centers: Growth Academy [@growthacademy2017]

• Free download: [Profitable Preschool Roadmap: Payroll Edition]

• Follow us on IG: [@littleledgersaccounting]

📌 Let’s keep the convo going! Subscribe, leave a review, and tag us with your biggest takeaway. We love celebrating your wins.

If the word “tax” makes your stomach drop, this episode is for you.

In Episode 3 of Profitable Preschool, we’re diving deep into practical, year-round tax strategies tailored specifically for affluent childcare center owners managing $500K–$2M in annual revenue. Whether you own one preschool or oversee multiple locations, this episode will help you ditch the panic and approach tax planning like a confident CEO.

Host Alexis Louis, a seasoned expert in early childhood business finances, shares the exact systems high-performing center owners use to stay financially organized, avoid IRS pitfalls, and keep more of what they earn. This isn’t generic advice—it’s built for center owners just like you who are scaling and need serious financial control without sacrificing their sanity.

• Why taxes don’t have to be scary—and how a proactive mindset can change everything

• The top three habits of childcare CEOs who never stress during tax time

• How to build a monthly and quarterly financial rhythm that supports tax readiness

• The most overlooked tax deductions and credits for early childhood businesses

• Common mistakes successful center owners still make—and how to avoid them

• A clear, actionable tax checklist to follow every single year

Whether you're preparing for a major expansion, hiring more staff, or just trying to get a better handle on your books, these tips will help you take control of your business finances—and gain the peace of mind you’ve been missing.

This episode is ideal for:

• Preschool and childcare center owners earning $500K+ per year

• Operators of multi-site early education businesses

• Directors and founders looking to improve profitability and reduce tax-time stress

• Anyone who wants to turn tax season from a last-minute scramble into a strategic advantage

🎧 Listen now and start building your stress-free tax strategy—because you deserve to run your center with clarity, confidence, and cash flow.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another center owner who’s ready to elevate their financial game.

Connect with Alexis!

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alexislouiscpa

More about Little Ledgers Accounting

Learn more about Little Ledgers's services at www.littleledgers.com

Follow Little Ledgers Accounting at instagram.com/littleledgersaccounting